SOLUTION: the sum of three consecutive integers is -15. what is the smallest integer

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Question 573808: the sum of three consecutive integers is -15. what is the smallest integer
Answer by mathsmiles(68) About Me  (Show Source):
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Let's let X be the first (smallest) of these integers. Then the next consecutive integer is (X+1), the next is (X+2).

We are told the sum of these 3 is -15 so
(X) + (X+1) + (X+2) = -15 Start solving!:
X + X + 1 + X + 2 = -15 combining like terms:
3X + 3 = -15 subtract 3 from each side
3X = -18 divide by 3 on each side
X = -6

The 3 numbers are -6, -5, -4.

Checking:
-6 + -5 + -4 = -15?
-15 = -15 Correct!